Real-time industry insights, AI-summarized for beekeepers.
$4.20/lb
Bulk Honey Index
+0.12 (3.1%) this week
Elevated
Varroa Pressure
14 US states reporting high load
Peak Bloom
Forage Forecast
Pacific Northwest — early by 2 wks
Tropilaelaps mercedesae, a mite historically parasitic to giant honey bees, is increasingly threatening Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) as observed in Thailand. This mite poses a significant risk to global apiculture due to its potential to infest and harm managed honey bee colonies. Beekeepers should be aware of this emerging threat and support research and preventative measures to keep it out of the US.
HONEES, a honey-filled drop brand, has announced a $10,000 grant to support PHIRA-Science's research on Tropilaelaps, an emerging parasitic mite. This mite is identified as a growing concern and a significant threat to honey bee colonies. The funding aims to advance protective measures against this new pest.
New Section 301 tariffs and a shifting honey import landscape are converging with a tight domestic honey crop in 2026. This combination is expected to create a volatile marketing season for US beekeepers. Steven Coy, President of the American Honey Producers Association, highlighted these challenges as the summer honey crop extraction commences.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, have identified chemical compounds that can safely repel honeybees from pesticide-treated crops. This discovery offers a promising new strategy to protect pollinators by guiding them away from harmful chemicals. Beekeepers should monitor developments in this research for potential future applications in integrated pest management.
A parasitic fly, Apocephalus borealis (the "zombie fly"), is infecting honeybees, causing them to abandon their hives and die, potentially contributing to Colony Collapse Disorder. The fly lays eggs in the bee's abdomen, and the larvae consume the bee from the inside out, leading to erratic behavior. Beekeepers should be vigilant for signs of this parasite, such as disoriented bees or pupae emerging from dead bees, and report suspected cases to researchers.
Beyond Pesticides is urging US Governors to take action against pesticide drift, which frequently moves off-target, harming people, property, and the environment. The organization emphasizes that current regulations are inadequate to prevent these daily occurrences. This advocacy seeks stronger state-level policies to protect communities and ecosystems from unintended pesticide exposure.
